Apart from the momentous selection of Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, another significant, yet less noticed news event took place on Nov. 4.

The voters in the state of California passed a ban on gay marriage. The ban known as Proposition 8 overturns a recent decision by the California Supreme court that stated same-sex marriages were afforded the same rights and recognition as heterosexual marriages. …

As people in the United States, and in fact the whole world, gathered to hear the results of the election, some were happy and some were disappointed. Of course, those who supported and voted for John McCain were upset and let down. On the other hand, Barack Obama fans rejoiced in their victory. Obama’s victory in this election is historic for African-Americans and is something that should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, from what I have seen around campus and from what I have heard from others, some people decided to take the road of racism when referring to Obama. …

As citizens of one of the most successful experiments in socialism, you have lived up to what the likes of John Stuart Mill would demand as a necessary condition or characteristic of an effective democracy: there should be competing, and even contrary opinions fleshed out constantly. When one idea fails, a better one should be allowed to get ushered in. This is what your vote embodied. …

I just finished a very long and equally lovely Sunday almoço (mid-day meal) with a well-educated Portuguese couple. Shortly after the bacalhau appeared on the table, the conversation turned to the American election nearly upon us. I asked my hosts what they thought about the two candidates. This question led to a long and thoughtful conversation about the challenges facing our one world and how the election might impact our ability to respond. …

The Red Rose transit buses are in operation every day for students to use. The bus runs between the university and to numerous places such as the Park City mall, Manor shopping center, other places around Lancaster and around campus. …